When a child struggles with learning, parents and educators often ask the same question: Is it a problem with reading, or is it a problem with attention? Dyslexia and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are two of the most common conditions that affect learning, yet their symptoms can sometimes overlap—making it difficult to distinguish between them without professional guidance. At Glowing Psychology, we believe that assessments play a crucial role in providing clarity and ensuring children receive the right support.
Understanding Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily impacts reading, spelling, and writing. Children with dyslexia may struggle with decoding words, recognizing patterns in spelling, or reading fluently despite having average or above-average intelligence. They often benefit from structured literacy interventions and tailored teaching strategies. Left unidentified, dyslexia can lead to frustration, low confidence, and academic underachievement.
Understanding Attention Difficulties
Attention difficulties, including ADHD, affect a child’s ability to focus, sustain concentration, and regulate impulses. A child with attention challenges may find it hard to sit still, follow instructions, or stay on task, even when they understand the material. Unlike dyslexia, the problem isn’t about processing written language but about managing focus and self-regulation in learning environments.
Overlap and Confusion
The challenge lies in the fact that both dyslexia and attention difficulties can look similar in a classroom. For example, a child who avoids reading assignments might be doing so because reading is difficult (dyslexia) or because they can’t sustain focus long enough (ADHD). In both cases, the result is underperformance, but the underlying causes—and therefore the support strategies—are very different.
How Assessments Make the Difference
This is where professional assessments make all the difference. At Glowing Psychology, our comprehensive evaluations look beyond surface behaviors. We use standardized tests to measure literacy skills, memory, processing speed, and attention, alongside interviews and history-taking. By analyzing both cognitive and behavioral patterns, we can distinguish whether challenges are rooted in dyslexia, attention difficulties, or sometimes a combination of both.
The outcome is not just a diagnosis—it is a roadmap. With clear results, families and educators can implement evidence-based strategies tailored to the child’s needs, such as specialized reading programs for dyslexia or classroom accommodations for attention difficulties. Assessments also help unlock access to additional resources, school support, and in some cases, workplace accommodations for adults.
The Path Forward
Early and accurate identification is vital. Misunderstanding a child’s challenges can lead to ineffective interventions, wasted time, and unnecessary stress. With the right assessment, however, children can gain confidence, improve their learning outcomes, and feel understood for who they are.
At Glowing Psychology, our mission is to provide clarity through compassionate, evidence-based assessments. By distinguishing between dyslexia and attention difficulties, we ensure that every individual has the opportunity to learn in ways that play to their strengths—and thrive both in school and beyond.
